‘Mo Bus’ Stays Off-Road In Odisha’s Rourkela As Staff Protest Management’s Apathy

Rourkela: Mo Bus services in Odisha’s Rourkela remained suspended as staff of the public transport launched a protest on Sunday.

Levelling allegations against management’s apathetic attitude to basic needs, the staff, both men and women sat on a dharna which affected the services, leaving commuters in the steel city struggling.

A female employee said she was harassed by a drunk passenger on board but the authorities were of no help when she raised a complaint with her supervisor.

Similarly, a male employee said they were not paid salaries on time. “The salaries are delayed indefinitely. We have no clue about when we get the payment for the month. At times it is 15th, sometimes on 20th and on occasions the salary is paid on 25th of the month,” he said.

The contractual employees of Mo Bus service in the city complained that there was no job security and the authorities often threatened of firing them if they complained about the situation.

The stalemate led to confusion among daily commuters who are dependent on Mo Bus service in the city.

According to sources, as many as 100 Mo Buses, operated by the Capital Region Urban Transport in Steel City, stayed off-road as more than 200 guides participated in the protest demanding safety and security inside buses, provision of provident fund and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI).

Meanwhile, the agitating staff of the Mo Bus services subsequently called off their strike following a discussion with the CRUT officials who assured them of fulfilling their demands within seven days.